Saints Row Prequel Pitch Aims to Revive Franchise Roots

The Saints Row franchise has had a rough ride. After the 2022 reboot flopped, selling just 1.7 million copies against a $100 million budget, fans thought the series might be done for. The reboot swapped beloved characters for a new cast and leaned into a tone that felt like a caricature of modern trends, alienating its core audience. Enter Chris Stockman, the design director of the original Saints Row from 2006, who's now pitching a prequel to bring the series back to its roots. His vision? A return to the gritty, satirical charm that made the first game a hit, potentially under the title Saints Row ’77, to explore the gangland origins of Stilwater's Third Street Saints across multiple decades.

Stockman's announcement on Reddit sparked a wave of excitement. Unlike the 2022 misstep, this prequel will not be a VR title, as Stockman confirmed. Instead, it aims to recapture the balance of grounded crime drama and zany humor that sold over 1 million copies of the original game by the end of 2006. For a franchise that once stood toe-to-toe with Grand Theft Auto, this pitch feels like a lifeline. But can it deliver?

The 2022 Saints Row reboot serves as a cautionary tale. Originally intended as a direct sequel to Saints Row 3, it instead ditched fan-favorite characters like Johnny Gat and Shaundi, replacing them with new protagonists who failed to resonate. Critics noted the game's millennial aesthetic felt forced, lacking the sharp satire of earlier entries. With only 1.7 million copies sold, it fell short of the 2 million needed to break even, leading to Volition's closure in August 2023. Stockman, who left Volition in 2007, sees the prequel as a chance to right these wrongs. He wants to blend the accessible mission structure of Saints Row 1 with the cooperative gameplay focus of Saints Row 2, which sold 2.8 million copies initially and over 3.4 million lifetime.

Compare this to Devil May Cry 5, a 2019 revival that succeeded by respecting its roots. Capcom brought back original characters like Dante and Nero, delivering a game that felt fresh yet familiar, earning critical acclaim and strong sales. The lesson? Fans crave continuity and authenticity. Stockman's prequel pitch leans into this, promising a story-driven experience rooted in the Third Street Saints' origins, with a focus on character-driven conflict and urban satire.

Stockman's hint at a 1970s backdrop adds a bold twist. Picture Stilwater's neon-lit streets swapped for bell-bottoms, disco beats, and gritty gang rivalries. This period setting could ground the series in a fresh yet nostalgic context, exploring how the Third Street Saints first formed. But it's not without risks. Creating an authentic 1970s world demands period-accurate assets, music licensing, and cultural sensitivity to avoid stereotypes, especially given the 2022 reboot's criticism for shallow character portrayals. Embracer Group, the IP holder, faces a tough call: fund a potentially niche concept or stick with safer, modern settings.

The timing adds pressure. With Grand Theft Auto VI looming in 2025, Saints Row must carve out its niche. GTA's dominance in open-world crime games sets a high bar, but Stockman's focus on narrative over spectacle could differentiate the prequel. Fans on Reddit are already buzzing about a return to the series' satirical edge, with many hoping for the same non-linear mission design that made the original a standout. Still, some worry the 1970s setting might feel too detached from the urban pulse of later entries.

Stockman's pitch is just that, a pitch. No green light has been confirmed, and assembling a team poses a hurdle. Volition's 2023 closure scattered its talent, and Stockman's plan to 'get the band back together' hinges on luring veterans to his independent studio, Bit Planet Games. Embracer Group's financial struggles, including layoffs and a failed $2 billion investment deal, raise doubts about funding. A mid-budget approach, targeting $30-$60 million, could help, aligning with industry trends favoring leaner productions like Baldur's Gate 3 over bloated AAA titles.

Fans also face sky-high expectations. The 2022 flop left a sour taste, and Stockman's promise of a return to form has fueled hope. If the prequel stumbles, it could tank the franchise for good. Yet, the community's response suggests a hunger for a game that respects its legacy while offering something new. Stockman's track record as the original architect gives him credibility, but he'll need to balance nostalgia with modern polish to win over both longtime players and newcomers.

Stockman's prequel pitch feels like a love letter to Saints Row fans. By focusing on the series' satirical roots and character-driven storytelling, he's tapping into what made the franchise a viable Grand Theft Auto rival. The 1970s setting offers a chance to explore uncharted lore across multiple decades, while dodging the pitfalls of the 2022 reboot. If Embracer Group backs the project, it could signal a broader industry shift toward mid-budget revivals that prioritize creative vision over flashy trends.

For now, the gaming community waits, hopeful but cautious. Stockman's vision carries the weight of a franchise's legacy, and his next steps will decide whether Saints Row can reclaim its place in the open-world genre. As discussions light up Reddit and gaming outlets like PC Gamer, one thing's clear: players want a Saints Row that feels like home, and Stockman might just deliver it.